Wanstead Park Chestnut Trail and Ornamental Water
London
Wanstead Park is the landscaped remnant of the grounds of Wanstead House, a Palladian mansion built in 1715 that was often compared to Blenheim Palace before it was demolished in 1825, and its wide gravel tracks give dogs plenty of room to explore off lead. The City of London Corporation has owned the park since 1880 and runs it as part of Epping Forest, and the Grade II* listed landscape still holds a chain of lakes and two surviving garden buildings: the Temple, now an Epping Forest visitor centre, and the ruined Grotto of the 1760s with its boathouse beneath. This loop of around 5km from Warren Road, the line of the Chestnut Trail, passes Heronry Pond and Perch Pond, runs the length of the Ornamental Water beside the River Roding and returns through Chalet Wood, famous for its bluebells in spring. It is almost flat, on gravel tracks and woodland paths that get muddy after rain.
This is a dog friendly walk with lots of off-lead potential in the woods and across the open grass. There is no regular grazing, but the City of London sometimes puts cattle out to graze in the park, and it asks dog walkers to keep effective control and to lead any dog that might react to the cows. Anglers use Perch Pond and the Ornamental Water, so keep dogs away from lines and swims. Chalet Wood gives shade on warm days. There is a kiosk for refreshments, and Wanstead station is a 1km walk away.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 5.0 km (3.1 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 25 min
- Walk Type
- Park, Lake, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Kiosk for refreshments in the park; the Temple visitor centre opens on selected days; pubs and cafes in Wanstead.
- Parking
- Small City of London car park by the Temple off Warren Road (includes blue badge spaces); otherwise street parking. Wanstead station (Central line) is about 1km.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wanstead Park Chestnut Trail and Ornamental Water dog friendly?
Yes, Wanstead Park scores 8 out of 10 for dog friendliness. It is part of Epping Forest, managed by the City of London, and dogs are welcome across the woods, grassland and lakesides. The walk is flat and shaded in places. The main caveats are the occasional grazing cattle and the anglers along the lakes, and parking nearby is limited.
Can dogs be off lead at Wanstead Park Chestnut Trail and Ornamental Water?
Yes, there is good off-lead potential in Wanstead Park for a dog with reliable recall, especially in Chalet Wood and across the open grass. When cattle are out grazing, the City of London asks you to keep your dog under effective control and to put it on a lead if there is any chance it will react to the cows. Keep dogs close near anglers on the ponds.
What should I know before visiting Wanstead Park Chestnut Trail and Ornamental Water with my dog?
Parking is limited: there is a small car park by the Temple off Warren Road, including blue badge spaces, and otherwise street parking in the surrounding roads. Wanstead station on the Central line is about 1km away. Paths around the lakes can be rough and muddy after rain. Bluebells carpet Chalet Wood in spring, when it is worth keeping dogs on the paths.
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